First Tee tabs Jesse as CEO

CHICAGO - The First Tee of Greater Chicago has appointed Lea Jesse Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit organization.

Jesse brings to the organization several years of business development and leadership experience at various high-profile consulting firms, banks, and nonprofits, Most recently, she served as the director of the Patrons Program at Chicago's Big Shoulders Fund, a nonprofit that provides support for local inner-city Catholic schools. During her tenure, she used her business expertise to help inner city Catholic schools to grow their enrollment and pave the path to long-term success. While at Big Shoulders, Jesse rebuilt and expanded the Fellowship Program to bring much-needed marketing talent to schools, expanded outreach to families in underserved communities, and helped transform several struggling schools to improve their long-term viability.

"We are looking forward to the impact that Lea will make for the youth that we serve. We are confident in her leadership style, ability to propel our organization further, and capacity to deepen our roots across the Chicago area," said Pat Goss, president of the organization's board of directors.

The First Tee is an international youth development initiative of the World Golf Foundation and is supported by the leading organizations in golf. It is dedicated to help young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. The Greater Chicago chapter is in its 17th year.